Genazzi with the rescue act of the year?

ZSC goal prevented in extremis

Genazzi with the rescue act of the year?

In Lausanne’s win in Zurich, defender Joël Genazzi made an incredible save when goalie Eetu Laurikainen was already beaten.

Published: 32 minutes ago

Updated: 31 minutes ago

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Lausanne defender Joël Genazzi makes a miraculous save off the line against the ZSC Lions.

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Gregory Beaud

“I’ve never done anything like that in a game in my entire career.” The confession comes from Joël Genazzi, the Lausanne defender who makes a late save for goalie Eetu Laurikainen.

As the ZSC Lions start their final sprint, Kyen Sopa already believes in the 56th minute that he has reduced it to 2:3. The winger stands alone in front of the open goal. His shot is miraculously stopped by an opponent’s stick. “If you do that in training, that’s great,” says Genazzi, laughing. “Then imagine what it was like at that moment in the game…”

The goal would have made the game really exciting again. «After the game in Langnau we talked about it. Sometimes it doesn’t take much for luck to turn around. We saw that clearly again, »says the 34-year-old from Zurich in the Vaud services.

“Joël’s rescue operation was fantastic”

His trainer Geoff Ward confirms this assessment: “In the past we had some actions that turned out to our disadvantage,” he says. “This time, success was on our side.” Does the Canadian feel the tide has turned? “We’re in a good rhythm at the moment and the team is working in the right way,” he says. “We’ve had three wins in a row, now we have to continue on Tuesday in Bern.”

All three successes were achieved with Laurikainen in goal. Is that a coincidence? “Yes,” says Ward. “We have three good goalkeepers.” Is the Finn on his way to earning his regular place? “No, we can’t say that,” said the coach.

The Finnish goalkeeper, on the other hand, is beaming after the game. “The whole team did a good job before me,” he says. In front of him? “Yes, in front of me… But also behind me,” he says, laughing. “Joël’s rescue operation was fantastic.” Thanks to the huge video cube, everyone in the Swiss Life Arena can see it. «That was my third post. But he brings the team more than a post»says Laurikainen and laughs again.